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10 Cool Smart Home Gadgets From CES 2020 You Might Have Missed

10 Cool Smart Home Gadgets From CES 2020 You Might Have MissedCRN

Smart deadlocks, smart water controllers ⁠— what about smart litter boxes? Yup, if you can think of something in your home, CES 2020 probably had a smart version of it.

Smart Deadlocks, Smart Scent Diffusers… And Smart Litter Boxes?

It isn't a modern CES if there aren't a variety of smart home gadgets to gawk at, and this year's show did not disappoint. There were smart deadlocks, smart water controllers, smart scent diffusers and even smart litter boxes - just to name a few of them. But that's just the tip of the iceberg.

The variety of smart home gadgets that were on display at CES 2020 shows that the space still has plenty of room for innovation even if something like a litter box that uses machine learning on cat feces is a little out there. But maybe it isn't given all the smart toilets that were also on display, like Kohler's Numi 2.0 intelligent toilet (pictured) that promises "personalized experiences" for an estimated price of $10,000 when it comes out later this year.

What follows are 10 smart home gadgets from CES 2020 you definitely need to check out, whether they're cool or weird.

Alfred ML2 Smart Deadlock

Alfred is classing up the smart lock space with its upcoming ML2 smart deadlock. The ML2 features a slick 12-button keypad, but it can also be unlocked with the Alfred Home app — or remotely when paired with the Alfred Connect Wi-Fi Bridge, which also enables integration with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. The smart deadlock can be programmed to store up to 500 unique pin codes and as many as 500 unique RFID cards for even more entry options. While the device comes with a rechargeable battery, it can also be powered using an optional Wi-Charge long range wireless power adapter. The ML2 can be easily retrofitted into most standard North American mechanical mortise locks, with support for all major keyways and high security cylinder systems. A retrofit kit for the ML2 smart deadlock is expected to retail for $699., and it will start shipping in the second quarter.

Buoy Whole Home Water Controller

Buoy is a smart water controller from Honeywell spinoff Resideo Technologies that plugs into a home's main water line to keep track of water usage. The smart water controller connects with the new Resideo Home app, allowing homeowners to keep track of water usage for each appliance. Thanks to Buoy's machine learning capabilities and water flow sensor, the water controller can alert homeowners when there is a leak or unusual water activity, with the ability to shut off the water manually or automatically. The water controller's machine learning smarts also means that Buoy can provide recommendations on how to optimize water usage.

Compoz

Compoz is a smart scent diffuser that allows users to combine up to five different scents to create personalized smells that can be saved or even turned into a playlist. The company, which has developed proprietary scent cartridges that contain essential oils, is targeting the device for use by consumers as well as hospitality groups, businesses and private jets. The diffuser comes with a smartphone-sized screen that allows users to mix the composition of the sets and then save different configurations that can be shared online. The playlist feature allows the diffuser to cycle through different configurations of scents over a set time. The device costs 1,500 Euros, with no U.S. Pricing currently available, though it's expected to be available starting in September.

Lyf Board

Lyf Board is a smart home dashboard that sports a colorful and vibrant Lite-Brite-like LED display for easy reading, even from several feet away. The dashboard comes with a smartphone companion app that allows you to customize information that is displayed on the screen. Types of information include time, calendar, location tracking data and fitness tracking data. The company behind Lyf Board plans to make roughly 50 apps for the device, many of which will be free, with the potential for premium content at a later time. Lyft Board also comes with integrations with popular apps and services like Facebook, Twitter, Fitbit and Amazon Alexa. The device is expected to cost $150 when a Kickstarter campaign launches later this year.

Lulupet Litter Box

Lulupet is a connected litter box that uses artificial intelligence to track the health of your cats. The litter box comes with a camera and on-board AI chip that can recognize different types of cat feces, which can provide signs of bad health depending on the shape and consistency. This is made possible by a machine learning algorithm that has been trained using a method called transfer learning. Lulupet also tracks body weight and the number of times the cat visits the litter box. The litter box, which syncs with a smartphone companion app, allows you to enter the cat's age, breed and lifestyle, so that it can be cross-analyzed with thousands of other cats in a database. The litter box is expected to cost $99 for pre-order when its Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign begins in March.

Motion Pillow

Motion Pillow aims to cut down on snoring with a connected pillow solution that detects the position of the user's head and inflates an airbag to create a better posture for unimpeded nasal breathing. The solution consists of a memory foam pillow that contains inflatable airbags as well as a solution box that monitors snoring. The device syncs with a smartphone companion app that provides real-time analysis and reports of sleeping patterns. The company behind the anti-snoring pillow, 10Minds, recently launched an Indiegogo campaign for a second-generation version of the product, which is available for as low as $210 - 50 percent off what the retail price will be. The second-generation Motion Pillow is expected to start shipping in April for Indiegogo backers.

PantryOn

PantryOn is a connected pantry device that keeps track of household items in the pantry and auto-generates a grocery list when supplies start to get low. Meant to fit on a pantry rack, the device is shaped like a board and comes with several weight sensors that individual items can be placed on. Once the items have been paired with their respective sensors in the PantryOn smartphone app, it can be programmed to send alerts and add grocery items to a list when they reach below a certain threshold. The PantryOn device comes in two different sizes: one capable of carrying up to 12 items and the second capable of up to six items. The 12-item PantryOn device is available for pre-order for $675, with an expected retail price of $900. The products will start shipping in February.

Soundform Elite

The Soundform Elite is a new high-fidelity smart speaker and wireless charger device that was co-developed by Belkin and Devialet, a high-end audio brand based in Paris. The device features high-fidelity sound, with the ability to get up to 90 decibels of maximum volume, as well as fast wireless charging for Qi-enabled devices and Google Assistant integration. It can also sync with two or more of the same speaker. Belkin says the speaker uses Devialet's patented Speaker Active Matching technology, which it claims "perfectly renders the original intent of the content creator with high-fidelity sound reproduction." What's more, the speaker's woofers were configured to cancel any competing vibrations to ensure a "deep, impactful sound" and "implosive bass." The speaker is expected to retail for $299 and it will start shipping in the spring.

Trova Home

Trova Home is a luxury-style connected safe that is meant to protect discretionary items like medications, jewelry and recreational products in a slick but discreet aluminum design. The storage product, which can fit on a surface like a bureau or a side table, can be unlocked wirelessly via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi on a smartphone using secure biometric scanning. It comes with a motion sensor and a location tracker and sends alerts if the container has been accessed or moved by someone else. Inside, the container comes with a sliding tray and molded organizational ridges below, as well as two internal USB charging ports. The device is battery powered. It's estimated to cost $700 when it begins shipping in the second quarter of this year.

Vayyar Home

Vayyar Home is smart home monitoring system that uses 4D radar imaging sensors to monitor the wellbeing of individuals within a home environment or senior living facility. This means there is no need for wearable technology, buttons or cameras to detect falls or home intrusions. The device's sensors can monitor location, posture and vital signs, which allows caretakers to keep track of when individuals get in and out of bed, roam at night and visit the bathroom. The device, in conjunction with Vayyar's software, can also analyze the data to identify trends, which as whether there are early signs of health conditions, like dementia and UTI. While the device is expected to start shipping in the first quarter, no pricing details are currently available.

Best Smart Displays Of 2025

Regular Price $100 (£90, AU$149)$150 (£119, ~AU$232)$250 (£135, AU$259)$300 (£240, AU$399) $180 (£170, AU$329)Screen Size 7-inch (177.8 mm)8-inch (203.2 mm)10.1-inch (256.5 mm)15.1-inch (383.5 mm)8-inch (203.2 mm)Dimensions (WxHxD) 7.00 x 4.70 x 2.70 inches (177.4 x 120.4 x 69.5 mm)7.9 x 5.5 x 4.2 inches (200.7 x 139.0 x 106.0 mm)9.9 x 9.0 x 6.7 inches (251.46 x 228.60 x 170.18 mm)15.8 x 9.9 x 1.4 inches (402 mm x 252 mm x 35 mm)7.9 x 5.4 x 0.6 inches (202 mm x 137mm x 15mm)"Wireless Connectivity Wi-Fi (802.11b/g/n/ac, 2.4GHz and 5GHz), Bluetooth 5.0Wi-Fi (802.11b/g/n/ac, 2.4GHz and 5GHz), BluetoothWi-Fi (802.11b/g/n/ac, 2.4GHz and 5GHz), BluetoothWi-Fi (802.11b/g/n/ac, 2.4GHz and 5GHz), BluetoothWi-Fi (802.11b/g/n/ac, 2.4GHz and 5GHz), BluetoothVoice Assistant Google AssistantAlexaAlexaAlexaAlexaCalling and Messaging Direct dial (US only), audio calls with Google DuoAlexa Messaging, Skype, direct dial (US and Mexico)Direct dial, Group calling with Alexa, Zoom, SkypeDirect dial, Group calling with Alexa, Zoom, SkypeGroup calling with AlexaSmart kitchen features Step-by-step recipe assistance with YouTube tutorial videosFood Network GO; Step-by-step recipe assistance; Amazon Meal Kits integrationFood Network Kitchen; Step-by-step recipe assistance; Amazon Meal Kits integrationFood Network Kitchen; Step-by-step recipe assistance; Amazon Meal Kits integrationFood Network Kitchen; Step-by-step recipe assistance; Amazon Meal Kits integrationOn-screen smart home controls YesYesYesYesYesBuilt-in Camera NoYes (13MP)Yes (13MP)Yes (5MP)NoPrivacy Shutter n/aYesYesYesn/aMicrophones 3-mic array2-mic array2-mic array2-mic array3-mic arraySpeakers Full-range speaker with 1.7-inch (43.5 mm) driver2x full range 2-inch 10W speakers2x 1-inch tweeters, 3-inch woofer2x full range 1.6-inchDual speakersStreaming Music Services iHeartRadio, Pandora, Spotify, YouTube Music, Apple MusicAmazon Music, iHeartRadio, Pandora, Spotify, TuneIn, Apple MusicAmazon Music, iHeartRadio, Pandora, Spotify, TuneIn, Apple MusicAmazon Music, iHeartRadio, Pandora, Spotify, TuneIn, Apple MusicAmazon Music, iHeartRadio, Pandora, Spotify, TuneIn, Apple MusicStreaming Video Services YouTube, YouTube TV, Google Play Movies, CBS All Access, HBO Now, Hulu, Disney+, NetflixAmazon Prime Video, NBC, Vivo, Hulu, NetflixAmazon Prime Video, NBC, Vivo, Hulu, NetflixAmazon Prime Video, NBC, Vivo, Hulu, NetflixAmazon Prime Video, NBC, Vivo, Hulu, NetflixCompatible smart home cameras D-Link, EZVIZ, Nest Cam, Netgear Arlo, Skybell Video Doorbell, Smartcam, Swann, TP-Link Kasa Cam, VivitarAmazon Cloud Cam, Amcrest, August Doorbell Cam, Blink, Canary, D-Link, EZVIZ, Logitech Circle, meShare, Nest Cam, Netgear Arlo, Ring Video Doorbell, Toucan, TP-Link Kasa Cam, Wyze Cam, ZmodoAmazon Cloud Cam, Amcrest, August Doorbell Cam, Blink, Canary, D-Link, EZVIZ, Logitech Circle, meShare, Nest Cam, Netgear Arlo, Ring Video Doorbell, Toucan, TP-Link Kasa Cam, Wyze Cam, ZmodoAmazon Cloud Cam, Amcrest, August Doorbell Cam, Blink, Canary, D-Link, EZVIZ, Logitech Circle, meShare, Nest Cam, Netgear Arlo, Ring Video Doorbell, Toucan, TP-Link Kasa Cam, Wyze Cam, ZmodoAmazon Cloud Cam, Amcrest, August Doorbell Cam, Blink, Canary, D-Link, EZVIZ, Logitech Circle, meShare, Nest Cam, Netgear Arlo, Ring Video Doorbell, Toucan, TP-Link Kasa Cam, Wyze Cam, ZmodoOther notable features Ambient EQ automatic adaptive screen brightness; Digital picture frame via Google Photos with Live Albums; Live TV with YouTube TV; Sleep Sensing and Quick Gestures; Digital Wellbeing mode for parental restrictions and downtime hoursSunrise alarms; Customizable clock faces; Customizable alarm tones; YouTube access via Silk or Firefox browsersZigbee hub; Adaptive color and brightness; 360 rotating screen with motion tracking; YouTube via Silk or Firefox browsers; Sunrise alarms; Customizable alarms; Customizable motion settingsVisual ID, Wall mountable, FireTV built-in, Energy dashboard, Low-power mode, WidgetsZigbee hub, Advanced smart home controls, Wall mountableColor options Charcoal, Mist, Chalk, SandCharcoal, SandstoneCharcoal, Glacier WhiteWhite and blackWhite

Apple Rumored To Release A Stack Of New Gadgets In 2020. Here's What We Know.

We know from multiple reports that Apple is planning to launch an affordable, 4.7-inch smartphone, likely dubbed the iPhone SE 2, this March.

But what about all the other gadgets the company is working on for the near future? Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has a list (via MacRumors), and it's an interesting one.

First, the usual suspects.

Mashable Light Speed

Apple reportedly plans to launch new iPads with a triple rear camera and 3D sensing support, paving the way for better augmented reality (AR) applications. The iPads should arrive as early as March.

The company will also launch new MacBooks, although it's unclear whether there will be a new MacBook Pro or a new MacBook Air. A new 13-inch MacBook Pro with a scissor-switch keyboard mechanism (like the one seen in Apple's recently released, 16-inch MacBook Pro) appears more likely, but we may also see both.

While new iPads and MacBooks are business as usual for Apple, the rest of Kuo's list is more interesting as it includes some entirely new devices — and perhaps even a resurrection of the company's cancelled AirPower charging mat.

Starting with that one, Kuo claims Apple is working on a "small wireless charging mat." Details are absent, so it's hard to speculate on just how close to AirPower this thing will be. All we can say is that there are numerous third-party products which perform a similar function to the AirPower, so perhaps Apple will do something similar to one of those.

Another interesting gadget on the list are "high-end headphones." Details are, again, absent, besides Bluetooth support. We've heard about Apple working on Apple-branded headphones from Bloomberg early last year, though it's hard to say whether this is the same product. Headphones are an incredibly crowded market, but Apple has shown it can lead the way with AirPods, and the "high-end" bit indicates these could be very interesting.

Finally, Apple is apparently working on Ultra Wideband tags, possibly called AirTags. These would be tiny gadgets that you could attach to any item and then track its location, similar to the ones produced by Tile.

Kuo also mentioned the possibility of the coronavirus outbreak postponing some of these products — something we've reported on recently — or even cause them to have different (weaker) specs.

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